Sources for Short test print runs using screen printing and/or spot coating processes

OVERVIEW: THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY. This Sources Sought notice is for market research purposes in determining interest and capability of potential small business vendors for this type of requirement only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government for any actual procurement of supplies or services. This notice does not constitute a solicitation (e.g. Request for Proposal or Request for Quotations) or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. This notice does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Responders are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. All costs associated with responding to this notice are solely at the responding party's expense. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract or agreement. The BEP will not be obligated to pursue any particular acquisition alternative as a result of this notice. Responses to the notice will not be returned. Not responding to this notice does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if one is issued. I. PURPOSE: The Bureau of Engraving and Printing ("BEP") is interested in expanding the developmental concepts of print designs that screen print and spot coating processes can provide. In support of this interest the BEP is requesting information in the form of market research to identify facilities that have the printing equipment and capability of providing an environment to perform short test print runs using screen printing and/or spot coating processes. The intent of this testing program is to evaluate the screen and spot coating printing processes, image designs, special materials and individual feature development. Members of the BEP testing team will be on-site at the contractor location during all phases of testing, including the opening of materials, testing, accountability, and securing of materials for shipment to BEP. II. Submission Requirements: Responses to the RFI shall include the following: a. General: - Submitter's Name - Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code - Name of Point of Contact (POC) - POC's telephone number and facsimile number. b. Specific Capability Information: A discussion referenced to the available screen-printing and/or spot coating equipment to perform short run testing, including a concise discussion of the following information (Important note: If a Respondent is providing information on more than one facility then the below information shall be provided for each facility being submitted): - Location of facility, - Equipment list with a brief description identifying type of machine, manufacturer, and model number, - Pertinent technical specifications listed for each type of machine (number of print units, range of size and type of substrate, types and numbers of dryers, minimum and maximum operating speeds, special or unique application capabilities, etc.), - Shipping and receiving capabilities and restrictions, if any (i.e. size, weight or quantity considerations), - Flexibility (lead time) of equipment scheduling to perform testing. Breakout the lead time if it varies based on the equipment being used to perform the testing, - General time frame (month(s)) most available for testing. Breakout the timeframe if it varies based on the equipment being used to perform the testing, - Segregated and/or isolated storage capability (i.e. type of security), - Access to or availability of special or unique printing/coating materials (i.e. ink), - Any restrictions regarding the type(s) of substrates which can or cannot be utilized (i.e. cotton/linen, polymer, etc), - Non-binding price estimate for equipment usage to perform testing. Breakout pricing if it various on the testing performed. It is estimated that the typical test duration would be one 8-hour shift each.